Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 1 - Introduction
 1. COMPONENTS OF A BRIDGE

Bridge

Superstructure Substructure

Analogous to Single Story Analogous to Walls, Columns

Building and Foundations
✓ Superstructure:
Structural Member Carrying
Communication Route.
E.g. Handrails, Guard Stones and
Flooring supported by structural system
such as Beams, Girders, Arches, Cables
above level of bearing.

✓ Substructure:
Supporting system of Superstructure.
E.g. Abutments, Piers and Abutments, Wing Fig. 1 – Elevation: Components of Bridge
Walls, Foundation for Pier and Abutments.
Fig. 2 – Plan: Components of Bridge
 2. DEFINATIONS
1. Bridge –
✓ A structure facilitating a communication route for carrying road traffic or other moving loads over a
depression or obstruction such as river, stream, channel, road or highway.

2. High Level Bridge / Non Submersible Bridge –

✓ The bridge does not allow the high flood waters to pass over them

3. Submersible Bridge – (MPSC 16)

✓ The bridge which allows the high flood waters to pass over them
✓ It carries roadway above H.F.L. of Channel

4. Causeways –
✓ It is a Pucca Submersible Bridge which allows floods to pass over it
✓ Provided on Less Important routes
✓ Hence, Reduces Construction cost of Drainage Structure
5. Foot Bridge –
✓ A bridge used for carrying pedestrians, cycles and animals

6. Culvert – (MPSC 12, 16, 17)

✓ When small stream crosses a road with Linear Waterway < 6m

7. Deck Bridge –
✓ Flooring Supported at Top of Superstructure

8. Through Bridge –
✓ Flooring Supported at Bottom of Superstructure

9. Semi – Through Bridge –

✓ Flooring Supported at Some Intermediate Level of Superstructure
10. Simple Bridge – 11. Cantilever Bridge –
✓ Supported on Both Ends Only ✓ More or less Fixed at One End and Free at Other
✓ Up to 8m ( < 8m ) ✓ 8 – 20m

12. Continuous Bridge –

✓ Continue over two or more spans
✓ Used for Large Spans

13. Arch Bridge –

✓ Bridges which produce inclined pressures on supports under vertical Loads
✓ Economically Used up to 20m ( < 20m)
✓ In the form of Barrels or Ribs

14. Rigid Frame Bridge –

✓ The Horizontal Deck is made monolithic with the vertical abutment walls
✓ Economical Used up to 10 – 20m
15. Square Bridge – 16. Skew Bridge –
✓ At Right Angle to the axis of river ✓ Not At Right Angle to the axis of river
✓ Generally ( 150 – 600)

17. Suspension Bridge –

✓ Suspended on Cables anchored at ends

18. Under Bridge –

✓ Constructed to enable a road to pass under another work

19. Over Bridge –

✓ Constructed to enable one form of land over the other
20. Class AA Bridge –
✓ Designed for IRC Class AA Loading and Checked for Class A Loading
✓ Provided within municipal limits, in Industrial Area and along Specified Highways

21. Class A Bridge –

✓ Permanent Bridges designed for IRC Class A Loading

22. Class B Bridge –

✓ Temporary Bridges designed for IRC Class B Loading

23. Viaduct –
✓ Long Continuous Structure over a dry valley
✓ Structure across deep valley without perennial water

24. Aqueduct –
✓ Small Stream Constructed Over stream which remains dry for most part of year
25. Apron – (MPSC 12)
✓ Layer of Concrete or masonry stone placed like a flooring at entrance or outlet of a culvert to
prevent scour

26. Curtain Wall –

✓ Thin wall used as a protection against scouring action of a stream
✓ Floor provided between Masonry wall below river bed

27. Piers –
✓ Intermediate Supports of Superstructure
✓ It May be Solid type or Open type

28. Abutments –
✓ End Supports of Superstructure

29. Effective Span – (MPSC 17)

✓ C/C Distance between any two adjacent supports

30. Clear Span –
✓ Clear distance between any two adjacent supports
✓ Distance between two piers

31. Economic Span –

✓ Span for which total cost of bridge is minimum

32. Afflux – (MPSC 16)

✓ Rise in Water Level of Bridge above normal level due to Construction of Bridge

33. Freeboard – (MPSC 12)

✓ Difference between H.F.L. after allowing for afflux and F.L. of road embankment on
approaches
✓ In Simple Words, (H.F.L. – F.L.)
34. Headroom –
✓ Vertical Distance Between Highest point of vehicle and Lowest point of any protruding
member of bridge

35. Length of Bridge –

✓ Overall Length along Centreline from End to End of bridge Deck
✓ Distance between two inner faces of abutments

L = n × l + (n – 1) × b

Where n = No. of Spans

n – 1 = No. of Piers
l = Span length
b = Cost of One Pier
36. Linear Waterway –
✓ Length between extreme edge of water surface at H.F.L. measured at right angle to
abutment faces

37. Effective Linear Waterway –

✓ Effective Linear Waterway = Total Width of Waterway – Effective Width of Obstruction

38. Low Water Level (L.W.L.) –

✓ Level of Water Surface in Dry Season

39. Ordinary Flood Level (O.F.L.) –

✓ Average Level of high flood which expected normally every year

40. Highest Flood Level (H.F.L.) –

✓ Level of Highest Possible Flood Recorded
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 2 - Introduction
 3. CLASSIFICATION OF BRIDGES
Sr. Category Types
No.
1. Materials used for a. Timber Bridges
Construction b. Masonry Bridges
c. Steel Bridges
d. Reinforced Concrete Bridges
e. Prestressed Bridges
f. Composite Bridges
2. Alignment a. Straight Bridges
b. Skew Bridges
3. Location of Bridge Floor a. Deck Bridges
b. Through Bridges
c. Semi – Through Bridges
Sr. Category Types
No.
4. Purpose a. Aqueduct
b. Viaduct
c. Highway Bridge
d. Railway Bridge
e. Foot Bridge
5. Nature of Superstructure a. Portal Frame Bridges
Action b. Truss Bridges
c. Balanced Cantilever Bridges
d. Suspension Bridges
6. Position of High Flood a. Submersible Bridges
Level b. Non Submersible Bridges
7. Life a. Permanent Bridges
b. Temporary Bridges
Sr. Category Types
No.
8. Loadings a. Class AA
b. Class A
c. Class B
9. Fixed or Movable a. Swinging Bridges
b. Bascule Bridges
c. Lift Bridges
10. Span length a. Culverts (< 8m)
b. Minor Bridges ( 8 – 30m)
c. Major Bridges ( 30 – 120m)
d. Long Span Bridges ( >120m)
Sr. Category Types
No.
11. Degree of Redundancy a. Determinate Bridges
b. Indeterminate Bridges
12. Type of Connection a. Pinned Connected Bridges
b. Riveted Bridges
c. Welded Bridges
 4. REQUIREMENTS OF AN IDEAL BRIDGE
Ideal Bridge should meet following requirements:
✓ Serves function with safety and convenience
✓ Aesthetically Sound
✓ Economical
 5. IMPORTANT IRC CODES
✓ IRC 6 – For Road Bridges: Load and Stresses
✓ IRC 7 – For Numbering of bridges and culvers
✓ IRC 21 – For Road Bridges: Cement concrete (plain and reinforced)
✓ IRC 24 – For Road Bridges: Steel
✓ IRC 40 – For Road Bridges: Bricks, stone and block masonry
✓ IRC 78 – Standards and specification for Foundation and
Superstructure
✓ IRC 83 – For Bearing of bridges
✓ IRC 112 – Concrete Bridges
✓ IRC SP 35 – Guidelines for inspection and maintenance of bridge
 6. IDENTIFICATION OF BRIDGES
Methods of Numbering:
✓ For Ex. 3rd cross drainage structure in 5th Kilometre

𝟓
𝟑

✓ Numerator – No. of Km in which structure is located

✓ Denominator – Kilometre wise Serial No. of structure

✓ The no. of structure should be inscribed near the top of left hand side of parapet wall
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 3 –
Bridge Site Investigation
and Planning
 7. IDEAL BRIDGE SITE CHARACTERISTICS
(MPSC 13)

✓Should be Geologically Suitable (i.e. Unyielding, non - erodible material

for foundation)
✓ Stream should be well defined as well as Narrow as possible
✓ Straight reach of stream
✓ Firm, permanent, straight and High banks
✓ Flow of water should be in Steady Regime Conditions
✓ Should be free from Whirls and Cross Currents
✓ No confluence of large tributaries in the vicinity of bridge site
✓ No need of costly river training works in the vicinity of bridge site
✓ Straight Approach Roads and Square Alignment
✓ Minimum Obstruction of natural waterway so as Minimum Afflux
✓ Easy Availability of Material, labour and transport facility
✓ To have minimum foundation cost, no excess work carried out
inside water
✓ In curved alignment, bridge should be not be on curve but preferably
on tangent side, because on curves there is a greater chances of
accidents and centrifugal force
✓ No Adverse environmental input
 8.BRIDGE ALIGNMENT
Bridge Alignment

Square Alignment Skew Alignment

Right angle to axis of Not Right angle to axis

river of river

✓As far As possible, it is always desirable to provide Square alignment

 9. BRIDGE DESIGN DATA
Sr. Drawings Scale
No.
1. Index Map 1
✓ from Survey of India
50000
2. Contour Survey Plan 1
a. 100m ( Area < 3km2,Scale > )
1000
2 1
b. 300m ( Area < 15km , Scale > )
1000
2 1
c. 500m ( Area > 15km , Scale > )
5000
3. Site Plan ✓ Extend > 100m U/S and D/S
✓ Centre line of Crossing in Large Rivers
> 500m on Either side of Stream
Sr. No. Drawings Scale
4. Cross Sections 1 1
✓ > Horizontally, > Vertically
1000 100

✓ Information on Cross Sections –

a. Name of Stream
b. Name of Road and Drainage
c. Position of L.W.L., O.F.L and H.F.L.
d. Maximum Discharge and Average Velocity
e. Depth of scour below H.F.L
5. Longitudinal Section ✓ > 1 1
Horizontally, > Vertically
2500 1000
6. Catchment Area 1
✓ from Survey of India
50000
Map
✓ Preliminary Survey –
1. Carried out at least 200 -500m distance on U/S and D/S
2. C/S at 50m interval should be determined
 10. SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATIONS
✓ Defn: Field and laboratory investigations required to obtain necessary soil
data for design are called Soil Exploration

✓ Methods:
1. By Open Pits
2. By making bore holes and taking out sample
3. By Soundings
4. By use of Geophysical Methods
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 4 –
Bridge Hydrology
 11. FLOOD DISCHARGE
A. Empirical Methods:
General Equation is given as,
Q = C.Mn
Where,
Q = Peak Flow, m3/sec
C = Constant
M = Area of catchment, Km2
n = Index
 Constant C depend on following factors:
A. Basin/Catchment Characteristic B. Storm/Rainfall Characteristics
1. Area 1. Intensity
2. Shape 2. Duration
3. Slope 3. Distribution

 Limitations:
1. Do not consider frequency of flood
2. Can not applied universally
3. Fixing constant is very difficult and exact theory can not be put for its
selection
 Methods:
1. Dicken’s Formulae
2. Ryve’s Formulae
3. Inglis Formulae
4. Nawab Jang Bahadur’s Formulae
5. Creager’s Formulae
6. Khosla’s Formulae
7. Besson’s Formulae
1. Dicken’s Formulae: 2. Ryve’s Formulae:
 Only used in Northern India  Only used in Southern India

Q = C.M3/4 Q = C.M2/3
 C varies from 11.02 to 22.04

Region C
Northern India 11.37
Western India 22.04
3. Inglis Formulae: 4. Khosla’s Formulae:
 Only used in State of Maharashtra  It is a rational formulae

a. For Small Areas Only ( Fan Shaped P= R + L

Catchment) – Where,
P = Rainfall
Q = 123.2 𝐌 R = Runoff
L = Losses
b. For all types of Catchment –

𝟏𝟐𝟑.𝟐 𝐌
Q=
𝐌 + 𝟏𝟎.𝟑𝟔
5. Besson’s Formulae:
 It is a very rational formulae and can be used in any case

𝐏𝐦 𝐱 𝐐𝐫
Qm =
𝐏𝐫
Where,
Qm = Expected Peak flow
Qr = Observed Peak flow
Pr = Observed Rainfall
Pm = Excepted Rainfall
B. Rational Method:
 Used for Small Culverts only

• Time of Concentration –
 Defn: Time taken by runoff to reach the site of the bridge or culvert from the
farthest point on the periphery of the catchment
 Farthest point is called as Critical Point
𝟎.𝟑𝟖𝟓
𝐋𝟑
Tc = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟗 × 𝐇

Where,
Tc = Time of Concentration, Hr H = Fall in Level from Critical Point, m
L = Distance from Critical Point, Km
Methods of Time of Concentration:
1. Richard’s Formulae:

𝟏/𝟑
𝐋𝟑
Tc = ∅ × 𝐇

2. Danson’s Formulae:

𝟏/𝟐
𝐋𝟑
Tc = 𝛉 × 𝐇
C. Use of Hydraulic Characteristics of Stream:
• Determination of Velocity –
1. Floats –
a. Surface Float
b. Sub Surface Float
c. Rod Float
d. Twin Float

2. Current meter -
 More accurately and conveniently measured
3. Empirical Formulae –
a. Manning’s Formulae

1
V = R2/3 S1/2
𝑛

b. Lacey’s Formulae
 For Alluvial Channels

V = 11R2/3 S1/3
c. Chezy’s Formulae

V = C RS
 Value of C:

0.00155 1
23+ S
+n
Kutter’s C = 0.00155 n
1+ 23+ S
X
R
R1/6
Manning's C=
n

157.6
Bazin’s C= n
1+
R
D. Use of Radioactive Isotope:
 Most Accurate and Efficient Method
E. Use of Hydrographs
F. Use of Flood Frequency Studies
G. Criteria for fixing Design Discharge

Design Discharge = Highest from All Methods < Next Highest Discharge
more than 50%

 Small Bridges – Designed to pass flood of 20 Years

 Major Bridges - Designed to pass flood of 100 Years
 12. WATERWAY
Defn: The area through which the water flows under a bridge superstructure
is known as Waterway of Bridge

• Linear Waterway ( Artificial Linear Waterway):

 The linear measurement of this area along bridge is known as Linear
Waterway
 Linear Waterway = Sum of all clear spans
 While Fixing Waterway following Principles for Safety of Structure:
i. Increased velocity due to afflux should not exceed the permissible velocity
under bridge
Sr. No. Nature of Bed Permissible Velocity in m/sec
1. Clay 2.1
2. Sandy Clay 1.5
3. Very Fine Sand 0.6 – 0.9
4. Fine Sand 0.9 – 1.5
5. Fine Gravel 1.5 – 1.8
6. Rocky Soil 3
7. Rock 4.2 – 6
ii. Freeboard for High Level Bridges > 600mm
iii. Minimum Clearance for opening of High Level Bridges

Sr. Discharge, m3/sec Minimum Vertical Clearance, mm

No.
1. < 0.3 150
2. 0.3 – 3 450
3. 3.1 – 30 600
4. 31 – 300 900
5. 301 – 3000 1200
6. > 3000 1500
 Some of Recommendations While Fixing Waterway:
1. Waterway for Stream with Rigid Boundaries –
Effective Linear Waterway = Width of Channel at Mid Depth

2. Waterway for Quasi Alluvial Stream –

Linear Waterway = Distance between banks at the high flood level
water Surface
3. Waterway for Alluvial Stream –
Formulae By Lacey, L= C 𝐐

Where, L = Linear Waterway, m C = 4.8 (Regime Channel)

Q = Maximum Discharge, m3/s = 4.5 - 6.3 (Local Conditions)
 13. ECONOMIC SPAN
Defn: The Span for which total cost of bridge is minimum

• Factors:
1. Cost of Material and Nature
2. Availability of Skilled Labor
3. Span Length
4. Nature of Stream to be bridged
5. Climatic and Other Conditions
 Cost of Superstructure increases and
that of substructure decreases with
increase in span length

 The most economic span is that

Cost of Superstructure = Cost of
Substructure

Fig. 3: Cost Component for Bridge

Assumptions:
1. Bridge has equal span lengths

2. Cost of Supporting System of Superstructure α (Span Length)2

3. Cost of flooring and parapets α Span Length

4. Cost of one pier and its foundation is constant

5. Cost of abutments and their foundations is also constant

 𝑷
Economic Span = l =
𝒂

Where, P = Cost of one pier with foundation

a = Cost of Supporting system of one span

i.e.
Cost of Supporting system of one span = Cost of one pier
 Thumb Rule for Economic Span in Small Bridges:

Sr. Type of Bridge Ratio of economic span to height of

No. pier from the bottom of its
foundation of its top
1. Masonry Arch Type 2
2. RCC Slab 1.5
3. Steel Girder 1.75
4. Steel Truss 3
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 5 –
Bridge Hydrology
Ex. 1 Calculate afflux if
U/S Depth of water = 4m
D/S Depth of water = 3.2m

Ans – Afflux = U/S depth of water – D/S depth of water

= 4 – 3.2
= 0.8m
Ex. 2 The following are the Costs of one pier and one superstructure span of
multiple span bridge for various span lengths. The cost of superstructure
span excludes the cost of railings and flooring system. Calculate Economic
Span?

Span in m 4 8 12 15
Cost of Superstructure in Rs 1700 7000 16000 24500
Cost of Substructure in Rs. 22200 23200 23000 23600

𝑃
Ans – We know, Economic Span = l =
𝑎
Cost of Superstructure ∝ (Span Length)2
Cost of Superstructure = a x (Span Length)2
a = Cost of Superstructure / (Span Length)2
For Span 4m, a1 = 1700/16 = 106.2
For Span 8m, a2 = 7000/16 = 109.2
For Span 12m, a3 = 16000/144 = 111.1
For Span 15m, a4 = 24500/ 225 = 109
Average a = (a1 + a2 + a3 + a4) /4
= (106.2 + 109.2 + 111.1 + 109)/ 4
= 108.875
Average cost of a pier, p = (22200 + 23200 + 23000 + 23600)/4
= 23000
𝑃
Economic Span = l =
𝑎
23000
= = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟔𝐦
108.875
 14. SCOUR DEPTH
✓ Defn: When Velocity of stream > Limiting Velocity which the erodible
particle of bed material can stand, then scour occurs.
Otherwise, Silting.

OR
✓ Defn: The velocity with which bed particle moves.

✓Normal Scour Depth: Depth of water in the middle of the stream when
it is carrying the peak flood discharge.
❑ Scour Depth of Alluvial Streams:
✓ Loose Granular Material
✓ Non Silting and Non Scouring
✓ Regime Channel

Formulas developed by Lacey for Alluvial Streams:

𝑃 = 4.8 𝑄

1/3
𝑄
𝑑 = 0.473 (MPSC 2018)
𝑓
 0.0003𝑓 5/3
𝑠=
𝑄1/6
1 1
𝑉= 0.44 𝑄 6 𝑓 3

2.3 𝑄 5/6
𝐴=
𝑓 1/3
Case I: Linear Waterway > Regime Width ( L > W)
✓ Normal scour depth = Regime depth

𝟏/𝟑
𝑸
𝒅 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟕𝟑
𝒇
Where, f = Silt Factor d = Normal Scour depth in m Q = Discharge in m3/s
Case II: Linear Waterway < Regime Width ( L < W)

𝟎.𝟔𝟏
𝑾
𝒅𝟏 = 𝒅 𝒙
𝑳
Where, W = Regime Width
d = Normal Scour depth in m when L = W
d1 = Normal Scour depth with contracted waterway
❑ Maximum Scour depth under given Conditions:
✓ Maximum scour depth is not uniform even in straight reaches

Sr. No. Condition of Flow Maximum Scour

Depth
1. In Straight Reach 1.27d
2. At Moderate Bend 1.5d
3. At Severe Bend 1.75d
4. At Right Angled Bend 2d
5. At Noses of piers 2d
6. At upstream noses of guide banks 2.75d
✓ Maximum scour is at
U/S Corner - Abutments
D/S Corner - Pier
 15. DEPTH OF FOUNDATIONS
✓ Minimum Depth of Foundation by considering effect of scour,

𝐪 𝟏 −𝐬𝐢𝐧∅ 𝟐
Rankine Equation, h=
𝛄 𝟏+𝐬𝐢𝐧∅

✓ Deep Foundations:
The depth below scour line
1. > 2m for Piers and Abutments of arched bridges
2. > 1.3m for Other bridges
 16. AFFLUX
✓ Defn: The rise of or heading up of water on the upstream side of the stream is
known as Afflux. (MPSC 2013)

✓ Greater the afflux, greater will be velocity and greater will be depth of scour
Hence, Greater will be Depth of Foundation required. (MPSC 2012)

▪ Determination of Afflux:
a. Marriman’s Formulae
b. Molesworth’s Formulae
Ex. 1 A bridge has linear Waterway of 150m constructed across a stream
whose natural linear waterway is 220m. Calculate the velocity of approach if
average flood discharge is 1200m3/sec?

Ans – Natural Waterway Area = A = 220 x 3 = 660m2

Contracted Waterway area = a = 150 x 3 = 450m2

The velocity of Approach = V = Q/ Actual Area

= 1200/660
= 1.83 m/s
 17. FREEBOARD
✓ Defn: Difference between H.F.L. after allowing for afflux and F.L. of road
embankment on approaches
✓ In Simple Words, (H.F.L. – F.L.)

✓ The value of Freeboard for Different types of Bridges:

Sr. No. Type of Bridge Freeboard

1. High Level Bridge 600mm
2. Arch Bridge 300mm
3. Girder Bridge 600 – 900mm
4. Navigational Streams 2400 – 3000mm
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 6 –
Standards of Loading for
Bridge Design
 18. TYPES OF LOADING FOR ROAD BRIDGES
✓ Loading and Forces in designing ✓Additional loads for Sub –
road bridges and culverts are: Structure design:
1. Dead Load 9. Forces due to Water Currents
2. Live Load 10. Earth Pressure
3. Impact Effects of Live load 11. Buoyancy
4. Wind Load
✓Additional Stresses:
5. Lateral Loads
12. Temperature Stresses
6. Longitudinal Forces
13. Deformation Stresses
7. Centrifugal forces due to curvature 14. Secondary Stresses
8. Earthquake Forces 15. Erection Stresses
1. Dead Load –
✓ Dead Load = Weight of Structure + Weight of Portion of Superstructure (Partly/Fully)

✓ Design should be revised if

Actual Dead Load Exceeds Assumed Dead Load by more than 2.5%

2. Live Load –
✓ Standard Loadings – IRC A, IRC B, IRC AA and IRC 70R (MPSC 2012)

✓ Minimum Spacing Between Vehicles

(MPSC 2012)
Class 70 R 30m
Class AA 90m
✓ Loadings for Different Types of Vehicles:

Type of Vehicle Class of Vehicle Standard Loading

Tracked Vehicle IRC AA and IRC 70R 700kN
Wheeled Vehicle IRC AA 400kN
Wheeled Vehicle IRC 70R 1000kN

✓Class of Vehicle:
a. IRC Class A – (MPSC 2017)

• On Permanent Bridges and Culverts

b. IRC Class B –
• On Temporary Bridges and Timber Spans
c. IRC Class AA -
• Designed for Class AA loading and Checked for Class A Loading
• Heavier Stresses may be Obtained under Class A Loading
• Bases on Methods of Defence Authorities
✓ Types of Loadings on Different Class of Vehicles:
A. Class AA train of Vehicles –

1. The nose of Tail Spacing between two successive vehicles > 90m.

2. For Multiple Bridges and Culverts,

One train of class AA tracked or Wheeled Vehicle whichever creates severe conditions
should be considered for every two traffic lane width.

3. No other Live Load should be considered on any part of 2 lane width carriageway
when above train of vehicle crossing the bridge.

4. The maximum loads for the Wheeled Vehicles, Spaced not more than 1.2m Centres

Single Axle 20 tonnes

Bogie of Two Axle 40 tonnes
5. The minimum clearance between the road face of the kerb and the outer edge of the
wheel or track C should be as under

Carriageway Width Minimum Clearance

Single Lane Bridge
≥ 3.8m 0.3m
Multi - Lane Bridge
< 5.5m 0.6m
≥ 5.5m 1.2m
B. Class A train of Vehicles -
1. The nose of Tail Spacing between two successive vehicles > 18.4m. (MPSC 2019)

2. No other Live Load should be considered on any part of carriageway when a

train of vehicle crossing the bridge.

C. Class B train of Vehicles -

1. The nose of Tail Spacing between two successive vehicles > 18.4m.

2. No other Live Load should be considered on any part of carriageway when a

train of vehicle crossing the bridge.
❑ Live Load for Foot Bridges and Footways -
Loading for all parts of Bridge Floors accessible
• Only to all pedestrians and for all Footways - 400kg/m2 (MPSC 2017)

• Crowd Loads – 500kg/m2

3. Impact Effect of Live Load –
✓ Actual Impact Factor depends on Spring constant of Bridge.
A. Class A and Class B Loading –
For Span 3 - 45m
𝟒.𝟓
• I.F. for RCC Bridges = 0.5 ≤ IF ≤ 0.088 (MPSC 2018)
𝟔+𝐋
𝟗
• I.F. for Steel Bridges = 0.545 ≤ IF ≤ 0.154
𝟏𝟑.𝟓+𝑳

✓ As length increases, I.F. decreases

B. Class AA Loading for Road Bridges –

a. For Span < 9m –
i. Tracked Vehicle: 20% up to 5m Span, Linearly reducing to 10% for Span 9m
ii. Wheeled Vehicle: 25%
b. For Span ≥ 9m –
R.C.C. Bridges:
i. Tracked Vehicle: 10% up to 40m Span
ii. Wheeled Vehicle: 25% up to 12m Span

Steel Bridges:
i. Tracked Vehicle: 10% for all Spans
ii. Wheeled Vehicle: 25% up to 23m Span
4. Wind Load –
✓ Lateral Wind force against any exposed moving load should be acting at 1.5m above roadway
(MPSC 2019)

✓ Loadings:
Ordinary Highway Bridges 300kg/m
Highway Bridges carrying Tramway 450kg/m

✓ Bridges should not be considered to be carrying live load when wind velocity at deck level
exceeds 130km/hr
5. Lateral Load –
Force on Railings and Parapets:
✓ The railing and parapets should be designed –
To resist a lateral horizontal force and vertical force each of 150kg/m applied simultaneously at
the top of the railing or parapet.

Force on Kerbs:
✓ Kerbs should be designed –
For lateral loading of 750kg/m run of the kerb applied horizontally at the top of the kerb.
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 7 –
Standards of Loading for
Bridge Design
6. Longitudinal Forces –
 The forces due to Braking Effects should be assumed to act along a line parallel to the
roadway and 1.20m above it.

 In case of Four or More Lane due to Braking Effects, Forces should be Reduced by 20%

7. Centrifugal Forces –
𝐖𝐕 𝟐
 Formula, 𝐂=
𝟏𝟐𝟕𝐑

 The centrifugal force should be considered to act at a height of 1.2m above the level of
carriageway. (MPSC 2017)
8. Seismic Forces –
 As per IS 1893, India has divided into five Earthquake Zones. (Zone I to V)
 Maharashtra lies in a Zone III.

9. Forces due to Water Currents –

 Formula, P = 𝟓𝟐𝐊𝑽𝟐

10. Buoyance – (MPSC 2018)

 In High level bridges, Buoyancy Effect is due to Submergence part of Substructure and
Foundation.
 In Submersible bridges, Full Buoyancy Effect considered on the Superstructure, piers and
Abutments
 In Design of Submerged Masonry or Concrete Structures, the buoyancy effect through pore
pressure may be limited to 15% of Full buoyancy.
11. Temperature Stresses –
 IRC Recommendations:
Bridge Climate Temperature
Steel Structure Moderate Climate - 180 to 500
Temp. Rise Temp. Fall
Moderate Climate 170 C 170 C
Concrete Structure
Extreme Climate 250 C 250 C

Bridge Coefficient of Expansion / 0C

Steel and RCC Structure 0.0000177
Plain Concrete Structure 0.0000108
12. Deformation Stresses –
 Only Considered for Steel Bridges.
 In absence of Calculation be assumed to be not less than 16% of the dead load and live
load stresses.

13. Secondary Stresses –

 Due to Secondary Stresses, Increase in permissible stresses may be permitted to 25%.
 For Design of RCC members, Shrinkage Coefficient = 2 x 10-4
 19. LOADING FOR RAILWAY BRIDGES
 Type of Railway track that Indian Railway use:
1. Broad Gauge : 1676mm
2. Metre Gauge : 1000mm
3. Narrow Gauge : 762mm

 Strength of Bridge is termed as MBG (Modified Broad Gauge) loading

(MPSC 2017)
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 8 –
Standards of Loading for
Bridge Design
 19. LOADING FOR RAILWAY BRIDGES
1. Impact Load –
✓ Impact Factor for Steel and Iron Railway Bridges:
For Broad and Metre Gauge Railways
20
For Single Track Span, I= Subject to Maximum of 1.00
14+L

2. Loads due to Curvature of Track –

✓The horizontal load due to centrifugal force is assumed to a at a height of 1.8m above
rail level for broad gauge and at 1.45m for Metre Gauge.

𝐖𝐕 𝟐
Formula, 𝐂=
𝟏𝟐𝟔𝐑
3. Load on Parapets –
✓ Railings of Parapet should have a minimum height above the adjacent roadway or footway
surface of 1m less one-half of the horizontal width of the top rail or top of the parapets.
✓ The railing and parapets should be designed –
To resist a lateral horizontal force and vertical force each of 150kg/m applied simultaneously at
the top of the railing or parapet.

4. Wind Load and Other Lateral Loads –

✓ If the wind pressure at deck level exceeds
150 kg/m2 – For B.G.
100 kg/m2 – For M.G. and N.G.
Then, Bridge is not considered to be carrying Live Load
simultaneously with Wind Load.
5. Longitudinal Forces –
✓ The braking force is normally taken as 15 % of Live Load.
✓The tractive force is normally taken as 25 % of Weight of Driving Wheels.
✓ The Longitudinal force is assumed to act at 1.8m above the top of rail.

6. Loads for Rail cum Road Bridges –

✓ Where railway and road decks are Common -
The effect of road and footpath loading is to be provided by a minimum distributed load of
195kg/m2 over the whole area of roadways and footpaths not occupied by the train load.
✓ The footpath in case of road cum railway bridge is designed for a loading - 415kg/m2
Special -
For Anticipated crown loading – 490kg/m2

Note: – Spacing between rear axle of first vehicle and front axle of succeeding vehicle = 30m
 20. REQUIREMENTS OF TRAFFIC IN THE DESIGN
OF HIGHWAY BRIDGES
1. Roadway Width – (MPSC 2018)

Type of Bridge Roadway Width

Single Lane Bridge 4.25m
Two Lane Bridge 7.5m
Multi Lane Bridge 7.5m + 3.5m for every additional lane
Pedestrian Bridges 2.5m

✓Three lane Bridge should not constructed.

✓ The roadway capacity adopted as 1000 vehicle / hr / 3.75 lane width
✓ Roadway width is increased by Multiple of 3.75m for every additional 1000 Vehicles / hr.

The Width of Roadway over bridge = Road width on either side

2. Cycle Track Width –
✓ In Urban areas,
When No. of Cycles > 500 / hr, separate cycle tracks are provided
✓ The minimum width is fixed at 2m up to 2000 cycles / hr.
✓ The width is increased by Multiple of 1m for every additional 1600 cycles / hr.

3. Safety Kerbs –
✓ A safety kerb of 600 x 225mm should be provided on either side of roadway.
✓ The roadside edge of the kerb will have a slope of 1 in 8 for 200mm height and curved edge
with a radius of 25mm at the top.
4. Footpath –
✓ The width varies from 1.5m and 3.9m depending on Volume and Importance of Pedestrians.
✓ The capacity of a 1.5m footpath is taken as 101 persons / minute.
✓ The width is increased by 0.6m for every additional 54 persons / minute.
✓They are provided on either side of bridges.

5. Segregation of Traffic –
✓ In case of Bridges with Four lanes or multiple lanes,
It is desirable to provide Minimum central verge of 1.9m width.
6. Sight Distance –
The Minimum Sight Distance = Stopping Sight Distance

Classification of Roads Design Speed in km/hr Stopping Sight Distance in m

National and State Highway 100 150
Major District Roads 80 110
Other District Roads 65 80
Village Roads 50 60
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 9 –
Low Cost Bridges
 21. TYPES OF LOW COST BRIDGES
1. Causeways
2. Timber Bridges / Wooden Bridges
3. Suspension Bridges
4. Floating Bridges
5. Flying / Moving Bridges
6. Culvert
7. Scupper
1. Causeways -
✓ Pucca Dip which allows floods to pass over it.

OR

✓ Floor flush with bed of stream

✓ It may or may not have opening or vents for low water to flow.
 CAUSEWAYS
(MPSC 13)

Low Level Causeway High Level Causeway

/ Irish Bridge / Submersible Bridge

It does not have vents for It has vents for low water to
low water to flow flow
Designed to be Overtopped
in flood
2. Timber Bridges -
𝟏
✓Deflection of deck should not exceed of the span.
𝟑𝟎𝟎

✓ Used up to span 45m

3. Suspension Bridges -
✓ Consists of sets of cables hanging in a curve from which road way is supported.

✓ Used for Long Span Structures (MPSC 13)

✓ Types:
a. Ropeway Bridge
b. Trestle Suspension Bridge
c. Sling Bridge
a. Ropeway Bridge
✓ Consists of Wooden plank decking and ribands as Superstructure
✓ Superstructure for most parts directly rest on cables

b. Trestle Suspension Bridge

✓ Roadway is carried on trestles supported on the cable

c. Sling Bridge
✓ Roadway is suspended by rope slings, wires or chains from two sets of cables, one set on
either side
4. Floating Bridges -
Types:
a. Boat Bridges
b. Pontoon Bridges
c. Raft Bridges
5. Culvert - (MPSC 12)
✓ Small Bridge for carrying water beneath a road railway when Linear Waterway < 12m.
✓ Waterway provided in 1 to 3 Spans as required.
✓ In Road Culvert – Span = 5m
✓ In Railway – Span = 6m
✓ treated as Spread Foundations.

Types:
a. Arch Culvert – 2 to 6m
b. Slab Culvert – 2 to 6m
c. Pipe Culvert – Dia. > 60cm , Q < 10m3/s , Gradient of Pipe > 2m
d. Box Culvert – Less than 5m , Soil is Soft
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 10 –
Bridge Superstructures
 22. TYPES OF BRIDGE SUPERSTRUCTURES
1. Timber Bridges
2. Masonry Bridges
3. Composite Bridges
4. RCC Bridges
5. Prestressed Concrete Bridges
6. Iron and Steel Bridges
1. Timber Bridges -
 Considered as Temporary Structures

2. Masonry Bridges -
 Not a Low Cost Bridge
 Used up to span 3m – 15m
 Used up to Moderate Span

Masonry Arches:
• Springer: First Voussoir of an arch
• Key: Central Voussoir of an arch
• Intrados or Soffit: Under Surface of an arch
• Extrados or Back of an Arch: Outer Surface of an arch
• Rise: Vertical distance from the springing points to the highest point of the intrados
• Crown: Highest point of the intrados
• Spandrel: Irregular triangular space enclosed by the extrados, a vertical line drawn from the
springing of the extrados and a tangent to the extrados at the summit.

Fig. Segmental Arch

3. RCC Bridges -
Types:
a. Slab Bridges b. Girder Bridges
 Used up to span 10m to 20m
 Used up to span 8m 1. Simply Supported – For Span < 50m
2. Continuous – For Span < 260m

c. Balanced Cantilever Bridges

 Used up to span 35m to 60m
 The connection between the suspended span and edge of the cantilever is
known as Articulation
 The cantilever span is usually 20 to 25% of the supported span
 In Balanced Cantilever Bridges, Only one bearing is required at every pier
 In Simply Supported Bridges, Two bearings are required.
d. Arch Bridges
 Used up to span about 200m
 Arches may be of Barrel type or Rib type

Types –
i. Three Hinged Arch
ii. Two Hinged Arch
iii. Fixed Arch
iv. Bow String Girder Bridges - Used up to span 30m to 45m
- Tied Arch
v. Rigid Frame RCC Bridges - Used up to span 10m to 20m
5. Prestressed Concrete Bridges -
 Uses Segmental Construction Means Long Span Bridge Without Staging Below
 Used up to span 30m – 120m

6. Iron and Steel Bridges -

 Types:
a. Plate Girder Bridges -
 Built up beam to carry heavier load over longer spans
 Extent for which Plate Girder need not to be Cambered = 20m
• Box Girder –
 Adoptable to Composite Construction
 Depth of Superstructure that can be Shallower
 Diaphragm used to transfer load from Bridge Deck to Bearing
Note: Orthotropic Plate Decking -
 Originally Developed in Germany
 Used in
1. Plate Girder Bridges,
2. Box Girder Bridges and
3. Movable Bridges

b. Truss Bridges -
 Used up to span 40m – 375m

c. Cantilever Truss Bridges -

• Balanced Type Cantilever Bridge –
 Depth of Truss, Highway Bridge = L/8 to L/20
Railway Bridge = L/5 to L/10
 Diagonals have slope more than 450 with the Horizontal
d. Cable Stayed Bridges -
 Used up to span 300m – 600m

e. Suspension Bridges -
 Used for span > 600m
 Used for Long Spans
 Dip is usually taken as 1/10th of Span, Sometimes even taken as 1/16th of span

f. Movable Steel Bridges -

Types –
i. Swing Bridges
ii. Bascule Bridges – Revolve about a Horizontal Axis and in a Vertical Position
iii. Traverser Bridges – Can be rolled backwards and forwards across the opening
iv. Transporter Bridges – Consists of Cradle which moves under an Overhead
Bridge
v. Lift Bridges
 Choice of Superstructure Type -
Depends on:
1. Nature of Stream or River
2. Nature of Foundation Available
3. The amount and Type of Traffic
4. Weather used for navigational purposes
5. Climatic Conditions

Note:
1. For Bridge Deck, Most Economical Section is Box Section
2. Beam Carries Vertical Load by Shear and Flexure
3. Height of Bridge is 1.2m to 1.5m above HFL
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 11 –
Bridge Details
 23. BRIDGE BEARINGS (IRC 83)
 Purpose: Transferring Superstructures load to Sub Structure

 In Major Bridges,
Cost of Bearings = 10 - 15% of Total Cost of Bridge

 Functions:
a. Longitudinal Movement due to Temperature Variations
b. Transference of Horizontal Forces due to Braking
c. Rotation at Supports due to Deflection of Girders
d. Vertical movement due to sinking of the Support
 Types of Bearings:
1. Bearings for Iron and Steel Bridges –
i. Fixed Bearings:
 Up to 12m
 Do not Permit Movements
 Allow Rotation
 Design Depends on –
Type of Superstructure, Type of Supports and Span Length
Types –
a. Shallow Plate Bearing – Up to 12m
b. Deep Base Bearing – Over 12m – 20m
c. Steel Hinge
d. Rocker Bearings – Over 20m for Heavier Loading
e. Laminated Rubber Fixed Bearing –
Maximum Compressive Strain(due to compression as well as rotation) should not exceed 10%
f. Cement Mortar Pad
ii. Expansion Bearings:
Permits Longitudinal Movements
Types –
a. Sliding Plate Bearing – Up to 8m – 16m
b. Rocker Type of Expansion Bearing – Mild Steel Rocker Bearing Used Only
for Long Span Bridges in View of their Cost
c. Roller Bearing – Up to 18m – 24m
- f = 0.03
- Permits Longitudinal and Rotational Movements
- For Span > 20m,
Rocker Bearing is provided on One End
Rolling Bearing on Other End
d. Rocker and Roller Bearing - Permits Longitudinal and Rotational Movements
- For Span > 20m,
If Rocker and Rolling Bearing is provided on One End
Then, Rocker Bearing on Other End

Note:
In Simply Supported Bridges,
Fixed Bearing at One End and
Expansion Bearing at Other End
2. Bearings for Concrete Bridges –
i. Slab Bridges:
 For Span > 8m, Permits Rotational Movements
 Rotational Movement is catered by interposing a Lead Sheet of 3mm

ii. Girder Bridges:

 A lead Sheet 3mm thick can be interposed between two plates to equalize the
bearing pressure.
 This take care of Slight Movement of the Girder.

Note:
 Metallic Bearing Provided on Skew Bridges, Skew Angle < 200
 Pin Designed For Shear, Bearing And Bending.
 Recent Trends of Bearings:
1. Rubber Bearings –
 Maximum Compressive Strain Should not exceed 10%

2. Elastomeric Bearing Pad –

 E.g. Neoprene Bridge Pad
 Developed by E.I. Du point de Nemours
 Resistant to Compression Set, Weathering Ozone, Temperature Changes, Oils
and Chemicals
 Preferable to Steel Roller Bearing
 Both Rotation and Translation Through Elastomer
 Zero Maintenance
 Steel Plates – To increase Compression Stiffness
 Hardness – 55 to 65
3. Laminated Bearing Pad –
 Steel Plates – To Prevent Rubber Tyre from bulging
 Lead Cores – To increase damping Capacity
 Joints in Bridges:
 Expansion Joints in Highway Bridges = 25mm wide
Provided on Full Depth of Member
Expansion Joint Provided at
Every Pier – Simply Supported Structures
End of Girders – Continuous and Rigid Frame Bridges

Note:
𝐚
Bearing does not Over Toppler, t ≤
𝟓
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 12 –
Bridge Foundations
 24. BRIDGE FOUNDATIONS
 According to Terzaghi,
Shallow Foundation - Df ≤ B
Deep Foundation - Df > B

Grip Length:
 Purpose: Protect Foundation from Scouring Action
 Minimum Grip Length below Maximum Scour Level
1
Maximum Scour Depth – Road Bridges
3
1
Maximum Scour Depth – Railway Bridges
2
 No Grip Length for Foundation on Rocks
 Methods of Improving Bearing Capacity of Soils:
1. By Increasing Depth of Foundations
2. By Draining the Soils
3. By Compacting the Soils
4. By Replacing Poor Soils
5. By Hardening the Soils through Grouting Process
 Types of Foundations:
1. Open Foundations or Shallow Foundations or Spread Foundation
2. Raft Foundations or Mat Foundations
3. Deep or Pile Foundation
4. Well Foundation
 Well Foundations:
 Used for Major Bridges

Caissons:
 Purpose: For Placing Foundation in Correct Position Under Water
 Derived from French Word “Caisse” Means Box
 Preferred in Sandy Soils
 Functions (MPSC 2019)
Types of Caissons
1. Box Caissons  Open at Top and Closed at Bottom
 Made of Timber, Steel, Concrete
 Suitable where Bearing Stratum is available at
Shallow Depth and Loads are not Very Heavy
2. Open Caisson or Wells  Open at Top as well as Bottom
 Used on Sandy or Soft Bearing Stratum
 Made of Timber, Metal, Masonry, Concrete
3. Pneumatic Caisson  Open at Bottom and Closed at Top
 Useful where not Possible to adopt Wells
 For Span > 12m
 Preferred where Soil Flow is Faster than it Can be
Removed
 Made of Timber, Steel and Concrete
 Cofferdams: (MPSC 2013, 2018)

 A temporary structure which is built to remove water from an area and make
it possible to carry on construction work under reasonably dry conditions.

Types Functions
1. Earth Fill Cofferdam /  Simplest Form
Embankment Type Cofferdam  Constructed across Flowing River
 Use is limited where Impervious Earth
is available
 Never Used where danger of
Overtopping by Water
2. Rock Fill Cofferdam  Constructed by Placing Rock along
Stream
 Economical where Rocks are
available in Plenty
Types Functions
3. Single Wall Cofferdam  Suitable where Working Space is
Limited and Area is Small
 Used up to Depth 25m
 Used for Shallow Foundation of Bridge
Pier
4. Double Wall Cofferdam  Provided to enclose Large Area
 Double Wall gives Stability
5. Cellular Cofferdam  Expensive
 Suitable for Dewatering Large areas
 Made up of Steel Sheet Piles
 Used only in case of Long Span
Bridge Piers
6. Floating Steel Cylinder Cofferdam  Control of Ground Water to Prevent
entry into Deep Excavation
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 13 –
Bridge Substructures and
Approaches
 25. BRIDGE SUBSTRUCTURE
 Bridge Sub - Structure Consists of -
1. Piers
2. Abutment Piers
3. Abutments
4. Wing Walls
5. Foundations for Piers and Abutments
1. Piers –
 Defn: Intermediate Supports of Superstructure

Types -
I. Solid Piers
II. Open Piers
I. Solid Piers
 Made of Masonry or Mass Concrete
Features-
a. Height:
 Height of Concrete Pier Raised by 600mm
 The Pier top is Kept 1 to 1.5m above H.F.L. of River as Freeboard

b. Pier Width:
 As per Bligh, Top Width = 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡
𝟏 𝟏
 As per Rankine, Top Width = 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡
𝟔 𝟕
𝟏
 Bottom Width = 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭
𝟑
c. Pier Cap/ Abutment Cap/Bridge Seat:
 M20 Grade
 Block resting over top of Pier or Abutment
 For Longer Span, Minimum Thickness = 300mm

 Special Type of R.C.C. Pier:

1. Dumb bell Pier

Note:
RCC Pier are Generally Rectangular in Size, Not T Shaped
II. Open Piers
Types-
a. Multiple Bent or Multiple Column
b. Pile Bent
c. Cylindrical Piers
d. Trestle Piers - Used for Temporary Work and Timber Work
- Made of R.C.C. or Steel Vertical, Horizontal and Diagonal Member

Note:
Single Column Type used for Urban Elevated Highway Application
 Special Piers:
Types-
a. Separate Piers
b. Abutment Piers – In case of Multiple Span Arch Bridges, is (MPSC 2012)

Every 3rd or 4th Pier is Designed as an Abutment to Receive

the thrust from Either Side
- Such Piers are Thicker
c. Cellular Piers - Result in Saving of Cement Concrete
d. Framed Piers
 Design of Piers:
Loads-
a. Thrust of Abutment
b. Dead and Live load of Superstructure
c. Impact Forces – Impact Forces due to Floating Debris and Live load for Top
3m of Pier Only
a. Longitudinal Forces
b. Water Pressure -

Note:
1. Water Pressure on Pier llel to direction of Current , Pw = 0.5 KV2
2. Collision Load on Bridge Pier llel to Carriageway = 1000kN
3. Collision Load on Bridge Pier Perpendicular to Carriageway = 500kN
2. Abutments –
 Defn: End Supports of Superstructure
 Made of Masonry, Stone or Brick Work or RCC or Mass Concrete

Features-
a. Height:
The Abutment top is Kept 1 to 1.5m above H.F.L. of River as Freeboard

b. Length of Abutment:
 Length of Abutment = Width of Bridge

c. Abutment Cap:
 Similar to Pier Cap
 Types of Bridge Abutments:
1. Abutments With Wing Walls
i. Straight Wing Walls
ii. Splayed Wing Walls
iii. Return Wing Walls

2. Abutments Without Wing Walls (MPSC 2019)

i. Buried Abutments
ii. Box Abutments
iii. T Abutments
iv. Arch Abutments
 Design of Abutments:
 Same as Piers
 Except It Act as a Retaining Structure
 Subjected to Additional Force, Earth Pressure
3. Wing Walls – (MPSC 2013)

 Defn: Splayed extension of an Abutment of a Slope

OR
 Walls Provided at Both Ends of Abutments to Retain Earth Filling of
Approach Road

Types:
1. Straight Wing Walls
2. Splayed Wing Walls – Built at 450 with Abutment ( Acute Angle)
- Are Straight or Curved in Plan
1. Return Wing Walls – Built at Right Angles at Both Ends
- Best Where Land Cost is High
 Design of Wing Walls:
 Same as Abutments
 It Act as a Retaining Walls
 Difference is Design is In Absence of Live Loads in Wing Walls
4. Approaches – (MPSC 2013,19)

 Defn: Lengths of Communication Route at Both Ends of Bridge

OR
 As per I.R.C.,
Minimum Straight length of 15m on Either Side

 Length 15m may be increased where necessary to Provide Minimum Sight

Distance for Design Speed
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 14 –
River Training Works and
Maintanance
 26. RIVER TRAINING WORKS
 Purpose: To Stabilise the River Channel

 Objective:
1. To Prevent river from Changing its Course
2. To Prevent Flooding
3. To Provide Protection to approach embankments
4. To Provide Minimum depth of flow and for Navigation Purposes
 Methods of River Training:
1. Embankment
2. Guide Banks
3. Groynes / Spurs
4. Cut Offs
5. Pitching of Banks
6. Pitched Islands
1. Embankments –
 Defn: Constructed llel to river Channel
 Used up to Height 12m

 Types -
I. Marginal Embankments / Dykes/ Levees – Close to Banks
II. Retired Embankment – Far Distance From Banks
2. Guide Banks –
Design Parameters -
1. According to Spring,
Length of Guide Bank on U/S equal to or 10% Longer than length of
Bridge between Abutments

2. According to Gale,
Length of Guide Bank on D/S equal to ¼th of the Bridge Length.

3. Optimum Length of Guide Bank Depends on –

a. Distance of Khadir Edge From Abutment
b. Radius of Sharpest Curve that River Can Form
c. Alignment of Approach Embankment
4. U/S Curved Head Subtends an angle from 1200 to 1450 at Centre
D/S Curved Head Subtends an angle from 450 to 900 at Centre

5. The Top Width of Bank > 3m

3. Groynes / Spurs –
 Defn: Constructed Transverse to river Flow extending from Bank
into River

Objective:
1. To Prevent bank by Keeping Flow Away from it
2. To Create a Pool of Still Water in the Vicinity Area
3. To Attract, Deflect or Repel Flow along a desired Course
4. To Contract Wide River Channel
 Types -
I. Repelling Spurs – Points U/S
II. Attracting Spurs – Points D/S
III. Deflecting Spurs – Perpendicular to Bank
4. Pitches Islands –
 Defn: Artificially Created Island In River Bed Protected By
Stone Pitching On All Sides
 27. METHODS OF BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
1. Erection of Steel and Girder Bridges
2. Erection of Truss Bridges
3. Erection of RCC and Prestressed Girder Bridges
4. Erection of Suspension Bridges
1. Erection of Steel and Girder Bridges –
 Methods:
1. Erection by Assembling Girder on River Bed
2. Erection by Use of Staging
3. Erection by Floating the Girders
4. Erection by Rolling Out Girders – Used for Continuous Girders
on Deep Gorges
2. Erection of Truss Bridges –
 Methods:
1. Erection of Simple Span Truss Bridges
2. Erection of Multiple Span Truss Bridges
 28. MAINTANANCE OF BRIDGES
 Normally the Service Life Expectancy of Bridge –
For Superstructure – 70 Years
For Substructure – 100 Years

 Bridge Inspection Types -

I. Routine Inspection
II. In-depth Inspection
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 15 –
Testing and Strengthening
of Bridges
 26. TESTING OF BRIDGES
 Proof Tests:
• Test where Loads > Usual Working Limit but Do not cause any
Damage to Structure

• Proof Testing Recommended

- Only for Arches and Simply Supported RCC Girder Bridges
- Not for any other Bridges
 Criterion for RCC Girder Bridges
The Load Equivalent to Safe Bearing Capacity of RCC Girder Bridge should at
least of:
𝟏
1. Load Causing Deflection of of Span – Main Girders
𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎

2. Load Causing a Tension Crack of Width > 0.3mm in Central Half of

Beams

3. Load Causing Appearance of Visible New Diagonal Cracks close to

Supports

4. Load at Which Recovery of Deflection on Removal of Load ≥ 80%

 Criterion for Arch Bridges
A. When Visible New Crack or Perceptible Widening of Existing Crack is
Observed –
The Load Equivalent to Safe Bearing Capacity of Arch Bridges should be taken as
Half the Load

B. When No Crack is Observed –

Safe Permissible Load Should be taken as Lesser of:
1. Load Causing Deflection of 1.25mm – Standard Truck
2 mm – Heavy Truck

2. Load Causing a Spread of Abutment of 0.4mm

3. The Recovery of Deflection and Spread in 1 and 2 Mentioned, On Removal of test

Load ≥ 80%
 27. STRENGTHENING OF BRIDGES
 Purpose: Improvement of Old and Worn Out Bridges on Roads.
(MPSC 2013)
 Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

Bridge
Engineering
Lecture 16 –
Design of Bridges,
Foundations and
Important MCQ
 28. DESIGN OF BRIDGES

Type of Concrete Concrete Strength

RCC 225 – 300 kg/m2
PSC 350 – 400 kg/m2
Special Structure 400 – 650 kg/m2

• Allowable Tensile Stress of Concrete = 20 – 25% of Compressive

Strength

• Modulus Elasticity of Steel, Es = 2 x 105 N/mm2

✓ Design of Longitudinal Girder or Main Girders
Load Distributions Estimated by Following Methods:

1. Courbons Method - 2 < Ratio of Span Width < 4

2. Westerguards Method

3. Hendry Jaegar Method

4. Morice and Little Method

 (MPSC 2018)

Type of Concrete Grade of Concrete Minimum Cement Content

Plain Concrete M15 • Minor Works – 250 kg/m3
• Major Bridges – 360 kg/m3

RCC M20 to M35 • Minor Works – 310 kg/m3

• Major Bridges – 380 kg/m3

PSC M40 to M55

 29. MISCELLANEOUS
❑ Types of Foundations:
1. Open Foundations or Shallow Foundations or Spread Foundation
2. Raft Foundations or Mat Foundations
3. Deep or Pile Foundation
4. Well Foundation
 1. Open / Spread / Shallow Foundations:
✓ When Df ≤ B
✓ Constructed in Open Excavation
Type of Spread Footing Description
1. Wall Footing Types:
Simple - Light Structures
Steeped – Heavy Structures

2. Isolated / Column ✓ Support Individual Columns

Footing
3. Combined Footing ✓ Supports Two or More Columns in a Row
Types:
Rectangular – If Both Column carry Equal Loads
Trapezoidal – If Both Column carry Unequal Loads
Type of Spread Footing Description
4. Strap/ Cantilever ✓ Two or More Footings Connected by Beam
Footing

5. Continuous Footing ✓ Single Continuous R.C. Slab provided as

Foundation of Two or More Columns
6. Grillage Foundation ✓ Used to Transmit Heavy Loads
✓ Transmit Load from Steel Column to Foundation
✓ Soil having Low Bearing Capacity
✓ Avoids Deep Excavation
✓ Provides Necessary area at Base to Reduce
Intensity of Pressure
Fig. Simple Wall Footing Fig. Stepped Footing
Fig. Isolated Footing
Fig. Rectangular Fig. Trapezoidal
Combined Footing Combined Footing
2. Deep / Pile Foundations: (MPSC 2012)

✓ When Df > B
✓ Used when Loads are Heavy
✓ Soil Stratum near Ground Surface is Weak

Classification of Piles:
a. Based On Function
b. Based on Materials and Composition
 a. Classification of Piles Based On Function

Type Description
1. Bearing Pile ✓ Load Transfer through Soft Soil and Rest on
Hard Strata
✓ Act as Columns
2. Friction Pile / Floating ✓ Load Transfer through Means of Skin Friction
Pile
3. Compaction Pile ✓ To densify Loose Soils
✓ To Compact Loose Granular Soils
✓ To Increase Bearing Capacity
✓ Piles Do not carry any Load
Type Description
4. Tension or Uplift Pile ✓ To Counteract Uplift Force

5. Batter Piles ✓ To resist Lateral Loads

✓ Convert Lateral Loads into Axial Compressive
Load
6. Sheet Pile ✓ To retain Soil Filling
✓ To reduce Seepage and Uplift
7. Fender Piles ✓ To resist Wave Forces By Ship
8. Anchor Piles ✓ To Produce Anchorage against Horizontal Pull
b. Classification of Piles Based On Material and Composition
1. Cement Concrete Piles
a. Pre Cast Concrete Piles
b. Cast in Situ Concrete Piles

2. Timber Piles

3. Steel Piles
a. H Piles
b. Box Piles
c. Tube Piles
d. Sheet Piles

4. Sand Piles

5. Composite Piles
 (MPSC 2012, 17)

Cast in Situ Concrete Piles

Driven Piles Bored Piles

Cased Uncased Under reamed Pressure Piles

Piles Piles Piles
Raymond Franky ( On Black
Pile Piles Cotton Soil /
Expansion Soil )
Simplex
McArthur Pile
Pile
Vibrio
Monotube Piles
Piles
3. Raft / Mat Foundations: (MPSC 2012, 17)

✓ Combined Footing that Covers the entire area beneath the Structure and
Supports all Columns
✓ Eliminates Differential Settlement
✓ Used when Loads are Heavy
✓ Allowable Soil Pressure is Low
✓ Used When Hard Soil is not Available within 1.5 – 2.5m
 30. IMPORTANT MCQS

1. For Major Construction Project, Critical Path Method (CPM) is adopted

2. Riprap is done to Prevent Erosion or Undermining

3. Component Parts of Well Foundation:

a. Cutting Edge
b. Steining

4. Modular Ratio, m = Es / Ec
5. Total Failure: Failure that refers to Collapse of Bridge

6. Scour Failure: Major Cause of Damage during Flood

7. Grip Length: Depth of Foundations Below Maximum Scour Depth

8. Temporary Bridges are Built During –

a. Rescue Operations
b. Military
c. Project Execution

9. Minimum Vertical Clearance for Road Bridge =5m

 Hello
Everyone
 Welcome to
CIVIL MASTERS
MPSC

Maharashtra Engineering Services Mains Exam

BRIDGE ENGINEERING

Previous Year 2012 – 19

MPSC Questions
MPSC 2012
1. A small bridged passage for the conveyance of water under the road from
one side of the roadway to other side is Known as:
(1) Underground Drain
(2) Channel
(3) Aqueduct
(4) Culvert
Solution – (4)

❑ Culvert –
✓ When small stream crosses a road with Linear Waterway < 6m
2. If Afflux is More, Scour Depth
(1) Will be Less
(2) Will be More
(3) Will have no effect on it
(4) None of Above
Solution – (2)

❑ Afflux -
✓Defn: The rise of or heading up of water on the upstream side of the stream is
known as Afflux.

✓ Greater the afflux, greater will be velocity and greater will be depth of scour
Hence, Greater will be Depth of Foundation required.
3. IRC recommendations for Minimum width of Footpath on Bridge is
(1) 1m
(2) 1.5m
(3) 2m
(4) 2.5m
Solution – (2)

❑ Footpath –
✓ The width varies from 1.5m and 3.9m depending on Volume and
Importance of Pedestrians.

✓ The capacity of a 1.5m footpath is taken as 101 persons / minute.

✓ The width is increased by 0.6m for every additional 54 persons /

minute.

✓They are provided on either side of bridges.

4. Abutment piers are provided in Multiple Span
(1) Arch Bridges
(2) Submersible Bridges
(3) Temporary Bridges
(4) Suspension Bridges
Solution – (1)

❑ Abutment Piers:
1. In case of Multiple Span Arch Bridges, is Every 3rd or 4th Pier is
Designed as an Abutment to Receive the thrust from Either Side
2. Such Piers are Thicker
5. IRC Standard Loading for Bridge Design are
(1) Class A, Class B, Class AB, Class 70R
(2) Class A, Class B, Class AB, Class 90R
(3) Class A, Class B, Class BB, Class 70R
(4) Class A, Class B, Class AA, Class 70R
Solution – (4)

❑ Live Load –
✓ Standard Loadings – IRC A, IRC B, IRC AA and IRC 70R
6. The type of bearing used on a bridge depends on
(1) Amount of Movement of the bridge ends
(2) Temperature Variations
(3) Load Carried
(4) All of the Above
Solution – (4)

❑ Bearing Functions:
a. Longitudinal Movement due to Temperature Variations
b. Transference of Horizontal Forces due to Braking
c. Rotation at Supports due to Deflection of Girders
d. Vertical movement due to sinking of the Support
7. The difference between the designed HFL allowing for afflux if any and the
level of crown of road at its lower point whether on the bridges or its
approaches is known as
(1) Headroom
(2) Free room
(3) Highest Water Level
(4) Free Board
Solution – (4)

❑ Freeboard –
✓ Difference between H.F.L. after allowing for afflux and F.L. of road
embankment on approaches
✓ In Simple Words, (H.F.L. – F.L.)

❑ Headroom –
✓ Vertical Distance Between Highest point of vehicle and Lowest
point of any protruding member of bridge
8. Culverts are provided for linear waterway up to maximum of
(1) 6m
(2) 9m
(3) 12m
(4) 15m
 Solution – (3)

❑ Culvert -
✓ Small Bridge for carrying water beneath a road railway when Linear
Waterway < 12m.
✓ Waterway provided in 1 to 3 Spans as required.
✓ In Road Culvert – Span = 5m
✓ In Railway – Span = 6m
✓ treated as Spread Foundations.
9. A thin wall used as a shield or protection against scouring action of stem is
called
(1) Baffle Wall
(2) Dwarf Wall
(3) Curtain Wall
(4) Any of the Above
Solution – (4)

❑ Curtain Wall / Dwarf Wall / Baffle Wall –

✓ Thin wall used as a protection against scouring action of a stream
✓ Floor provided between Masonry wall below river bed
10. Floats are used to measure
(1) Discharge of Stream
(2) Velocity of Stream
(3) Flood Discharge
(4) Afflux
Solution – (2)

• Determination of Velocity –
3. Empirical Formulae –
1. Floats –
a. Manning’s Formulae
a. Surface Float
b. Sub Surface Float
c. Rod Float V = 1 R2/3 S1/2
𝑛
d. Twin Float
b. Lacey’s Formulae
2. Current meter - ✓ For Alluvial Channels
✓ More accurately and
conveniently measured V = 11R2/3 S1/3
 MPSC 2013
11. Approach on either side of a bridge will have a minimum straight length of
(1) 5m
(2) 15m
(3) 50m
(4) 150m
Solution – (2)

❑ Approaches –
✓ Defn: Lengths of Communication Route at Both Ends of Bridge
OR
✓ As per I.R.C.,
Minimum Straight length of 15m on Either Side

✓ Length 15m may be increased where necessary to Provide Minimum Sight

Distance for Design Speed
12. The section of site for road bridges depends on
(1) Nature of river bank and appropriate arches
(2) Width and depth of river at site to be bridged
(3) Availability of good and safe foundation for bridge
(4) All of the Above
13. In Class 70R loading the minimum spacing between the vehicle is
(1) 30m (2) 40m
(3) 60m (4) 70m
Solution – (1)

❑ Minimum Spacing Between Vehicles:

Class 70 R 30m
Class AA 90m
14. A temporary enclosure built to exclude water from working area and to
provide access to the area within, during the construction of a foundation or
other structures that may be undertaken below water level is Known as
(1) Shell (2) Cofferdam
(3) Cassions (4) Any of the above
Solution – (2)

❑ Cofferdams:
✓ A temporary structure which is built to remove water from an area and make
it possible to carry on construction work under reasonably dry conditions.
15. When is the span of bridge is economic?
(1) When Cost of Supporting System of One Span is equal to Cost of One Pier
(2) When Cost of Supporting System of One Span is equal to Cost of One
Abutment
(3) When Cost of One Pier is equal to Half of Cost of Abutment
(4) When Cost of Supporting System of One Span is equal to twice the Cost of
Pier
Solution – (1)

𝑷
Economic Span = l =
𝒂

Where, P = Cost of one pier with foundation

a = Cost of Supporting system of one span

i.e.
Cost of Supporting system of one span = Cost of one pier
16. The stream at the ideal bridge site should be
(1) Well Defined and as deep as possible
(2) Well Defined and as wide as possible
(3) Well Defined and as narrow as possible
(4) Deep and as wide as possible
Solution – (3)

❑ Ideal Bridge Characteristics:

✓ Should be Geologically Suitable (i.e. Unyielding, non - erodible material
for foundation)
✓ Stream should be well defined as well as Narrow as possible
✓ Straight reach of stream
✓ Firm, permanent, straight and High banks
✓ Flow of water should be in Steady Regime Conditions
✓ Should be free from Whirls and Cross Currents
✓ No confluence of large tributaries in the vicinity of bridge site
✓ No need of costly river training works in the vicinity of bridge site
17. The small submersible bridge having no openings known as
(1) Causeway
(2) Dead End Bridge
(3) Irish Bridge
(4) Either 1 and 3
Solution – (4)

CAUSEWAYS

Low Level Causeway High Level Causeway

/ Irish Bridge / Submersible Bridge

It does not have vents for It has vents for low water to
low water to flow flow
Designed to be Overtopped
in flood
18. Suspension bridges are
(1) Movable Bridges
(2) Suitable for Long Span
(3) Suitable for Short Span
(4) Used over Navigable Channels
Solution – (2)

❑ Suspension Bridges -
✓ Consists of sets of cables hanging in a curve from which road way is
supported.

✓ Used for Long Span Structures

19. The wall which is splayed extension of an abutment slope of an
embankment is called
(1) Retaining Wall
(2) Parapet Wall
(3) Support Wall
(4) Wing Wall
Solution – (4)
❑ Wing Walls –
✓ Defn: Splayed extension of an Abutment of a Slope
OR
✓ Walls Provided at Both Ends of Abutments to Retain Earth Filling of
Approach Road
20. The Strengthening for Bridges is done for
(1) Safety Against Earthquake
(2) Safety during Floods
(3) Old Bridges
(4) Newly Constructed Bridges
Solution – (3)
❑ Strengthening of Bridges -
✓Purpose: Improvement of Old and Worn Out Bridges on Roads.
MPSC 2016
21. A Culvert can be defined as a crossing with total length not exceeding
………………………. Between the faces of the abutments.
(1) 6m (2) 7m
(3) 8m (4) 10m
Solution – (1)

❑ Culvert –
✓ When small stream crosses a road with Linear Waterway < 6m
22. What should be the minimum width of foot path while designing a bridge
for rural areas?
(1) 1.5m (2) 2.0m
(3) 2.5m (4) 3.0m
Solution – (1)

❑ Footpath –
✓ The width varies from 1.5m and 3.9m depending on Volume and
Importance of Pedestrians.

✓ The capacity of a 1.5m footpath is taken as 101 persons / minute.

✓ The width is increased by 0.6m for every additional 54 persons /

minute.

✓They are provided on either side of bridges.

23. Maximum scour depth at a severe bend is:
(1) 1.25D (2) 1.5D
(3) 1.75D (4) 2.00D
Solution – (3)

Sr. No. Condition of Flow Maximum Scour

Depth
1. In Straight Reach 1.27d
2. At Moderate Bend 1.5d
3. At Severe Bend 1.75d
4. At Right Angled Bend 2d
5. At Noses of piers 2d
6. At upstream noses of guide banks 2.75d
24. ………………can be defined as a rise of water level on U/S side of bridge
(1) Scour (2) Afflux
(3) HFL (4) Discharge
Solution – (2)
❑ Afflux –
✓ Rise in Water Level of Bridge above normal level due to Construction of
Bridge

❑ Highest Flood Level (H.F.L.) –

✓ Level of Highest Possible Flood Recorded

❑ Scour –
✓When Velocity of stream > Limiting Velocity which the erodible particle of bed
material can stand, then scour occurs.
25. The area through which the water flows under a bridge superstructure is
known as……………… of the bridge
(1) Stream (2) Scour
(3) Waterway (4) Afflux
Solution – (3)

❑ Waterway –
✓ The area through which the water flows under a bridge
superstructure

❑ Linear Waterway –
✓ Length between extreme edge of water surface at H.F.L.
measured at right angle to abutment faces
26. The type of bearing used on a bridge depends on
(1) Extent of Movement at the bridge ends
(2) Temperature Variations
(3) Load Carried
(4) All of the Above
Solution – (4)

❑ Bearing Functions:
a. Longitudinal Movement due to Temperature Variations
b. Transference of Horizontal Forces due to Braking
c. Rotation at Supports due to Deflection of Girders
d. Vertical movement due to sinking of the Support
27. The minimum vertical clearance for opening high level bridges for
discharge of 0.3 – 3m3 per second is:
(1) 150mm (2) 250mm
(3) 350mm (4) 450mm
Solution – (4)

❑ Minimum Clearance for opening of High Level Bridges

Sr. Discharge, m3/sec Minimum Vertical Clearance, mm

No.
1. < 0.3 150
2. 0.3 – 3 450
3. 3.1 – 30 600
4. 31 – 300 900
5. 301 – 3000 1200
6. > 3000 1500
28. A bridge designed to allow normal floods to pass through its vents but
allowed to be over topped during floods is called
(1) Submersible Bridge (2) Under Bridge
(3) Seasonal Bridge (4) None of the Above
Solution – (1)
❑ Submersible Bridge –
✓ The bridge which allows the high flood waters to pass over them
✓ It carries roadway above H.F.L. of Channel

❑ High Level Bridge / Non Submersible Bridge –

✓ The bridge does not allow the high flood waters to pass over them

❑ Under Bridge –
✓ Constructed to enable a road to pass under another work

❑Over Bridge –
✓ Constructed to enable one form of land over the other
MPSC 2017
29. In case of navigable rivers, the minimum free board provided is usually
(1) 30cm to 45cm (2) 1.2m to 1.5m
(3) 2.4m to 3m (4) 1m
Solution – (3)

✓ The value of Freeboard for Different types of Bridges:

Sr. Type of Bridge Freeboard

No.
1. High Level Bridge 600mm
2. Arch Bridge 300mm
3. Girder Bridge 600 – 900mm
4. Navigational Streams 2400 – 3000mm
30. The Strength of a bridge is termed as MBG Loading of 1987. MBG refers
to
(1) Model Broad Gauge (2) Modified Broad Gauge
(3) Modified Budget Grant (4) Main Broad Gauge
Solution – (2)

✓Strength of Bridge is termed as MBG (Modified Broad Gauge) loading

31. ………… Loading is adopted on all roads on which permanent bridges and
culverts are constructed.
(1) IRC Class A (2) IRC Class AA
(3) IRC Class B (4) IRC Class AB
Solution – (1)

✓Class of Vehicle:
a. IRC Class A –
• On Permanent Bridges and Culverts

b. IRC Class B –
• On Temporary Bridges and Timber Spans

c. IRC Class AA -
• Designed for Class AA loading and Checked for Class A Loading
• Heavier Stresses may be Obtained under Class A Loading
• Bases on Methods of Defence Authorities
32. For all parts of bridge floors accessible to only to pedestrians and for all
footways loading should be
(1) 200kg/m2 (2) 300kg/m2
(3) 400 kg/m2 (4) 500 kg/m2
Solution – (3)

❑ Live Load for Foot Bridges and Footways -

Loading for all parts of Bridge Floors accessible
• Only to all pedestrians and for all Footways - 400kg/m2
• Crowd Loads – 500kg/m2
33. According to criteria recommended by IRC for Girder Bridges, the limiting
load should not cause a deflection more than…….of the span.
(1) 1/1000 (2) 1/1200
(3) 1/1500 (4) 1/2000
Solution – (3)

✓ Criterion for RCC Girder Bridges

The Load Equivalent to Safe Bearing Capacity of RCC Girder Bridge should at least
of:
𝟏
1. Load Causing Deflection of of Span – Main Girders
𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎

2. Load Causing a Tension Crack of Width > 0.3mm in Central Half of Beams

3. Load Causing Appearance of Visible New Diagonal Cracks close to Supports

4. Load at Which Recovery of Deflection on Removal of Load ≥ 80%

34. The Centre to Centre distance between any two adjacent supports is called
……………. Of a bridge
(1) Span (2) Clear Span
(3) Nominal Span (4) Effective Span
Solution – (4)

❑ Effective Span –
✓ C/C Distance between any two adjacent supports

❑ Clear Span –
✓ Clear distance between any two adjacent supports
✓ Distance between two piers

❑ Economic Span –
✓ Span for which total cost of bridge is minimum
35. The scour velocity of the stream is the
(1) Average Velocity
(2) Maximum Velocity at any time durig the year
(3) Velocity which can move the particles of bed materials
(4) Velocity at which a highway bridge is liable to be damaged
Solution – (3)
❑ Scour Velocity -
✓ Defn: When Velocity of stream > Limiting Velocity which the erodible
particle of bed material can stand, then scour occurs.
Otherwise, Silting.

OR
✓ Defn: The velocity with which bed particle moves.

✓Normal Scour Depth: Depth of water in the middle of the stream when
it is carrying the peak flood discharge.
36. The centrifugal force is assumed to act at a height of…………above the
level of the carriageway of the bridge
(1) 1m (2) 1.2m
(3) 1.5m (4) 1.75m
Solution – (2)

❑ Centrifugal Forces –
𝐖𝐕 𝟐
✓ Formula, 𝐂=
𝟏𝟐𝟕𝐑

✓ The centrifugal force should be considered to act at a height of 1.2m above the level of
carriageway.
37. The bridge superstructure having a gross length of 6m or less between the
faces of the abutment or extreme vintage boundaries is known as
(1) Causeway (2) Culvert
(3) Short Span Bridge (4) None of the above
Solution – (2)

❑ Culvert –
✓ When small stream crosses a road with Linear Waterway < 6m
MPSC 2018
38. A bridge has linear Waterway of 150m constructed across a stream whose
natural linear waterway is 200m. If average flood depth is 3m and average
flood discharge is 1200m3/sec, the velocity of approach is

(1) 2m/s (2) 2.66m/s

(3) 6m/s (4) 8m/s
Solution – (1)

Natural Waterway Area = A = 200 x 3 = 600m2

Contracted Waterway area = a = 150 x 3 = 450m2

The velocity of Approach = V = Q/ Actual Area

= 1200/600
= 2 m/s
39. For high level bridges, the free board should not be less than
(1) 200m (2) 400mm
(3) 600mm (4) 800mm
Solution – (3)

✓ The value of Freeboard for Different types of Bridges:

Sr. Type of Bridge Freeboard

No.
1. High Level Bridge 600mm
2. Arch Bridge 300mm
3. Girder Bridge 600 – 900mm
4. Navigational Streams 2400 – 3000mm
40. The maximum scour depth dm for condition of flow at noses of piers is
(1) 1.5d (2) 1.75d
(3) 2d (4) 2.75d
Solution – (3)

Sr. No. Condition of Flow Maximum Scour

Depth
1. In Straight Reach 1.27d
2. At Moderate Bend 1.5d
3. At Severe Bend 1.75d
4. At Right Angled Bend 2d
5. At Noses of piers 2d
6. At upstream noses of guide banks 2.75d
41. The normal depth of scour for alluvial river is determined by Lacey’s
Formula
f 𝑄 3
(1) 0.475 (2) 0.475
Q 𝑓
3 f 3 Q
(3) 0.475 (4) 0.475
Q f
Solution – (4)
❑ Formulas developed by Lacey for Alluvial Streams:

𝑃 = 4.8 𝑄

𝟏/𝟑
𝑸
𝒅 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟕𝟑
𝒇

1 1
𝑉 = 0.44 𝑄6 𝑓 3

2.3 𝑄 5/6
𝐴=
𝑓 1/3
42. Which of the following shall be considered while designing high level
bridges for buoyancy effect?
(1) Full buoyancy for Superstructure
(2) Full buoyancy for abutments
(3) Buoyancy forces due to submerged part of Substructure and Foundation
(4) Partial Buoyancy for Superstructure
Solution – (3)

❑ Buoyance –
✓ In High level bridges, Buoyancy Effect is due to Submergence part of
Substructure and Foundation.

✓ In Submersible bridges, Full Buoyancy Effect considered on the

Superstructure, piers and Abutments

✓ In Design of Submerged Masonry or Concrete Structures, the buoyancy effect

through pore pressure may be limited to 15% of Full buoyancy.
43. Roller bearings are used in bridges for span of
(1) 18 to 24m (2) 12 to 18m
(3) 6 to 12m (4) Up to 6m
Solution – (1)
ii. Expansion Bearings:
✓Permits Longitudinal Movements
Types –
a. Sliding Plate Bearing – Up to 8m – 16m
b. Rocker Type of Expansion Bearing – Mild Steel Rocker Bearing Used Only
for Long Span Bridges in View of their Cost
c. Roller Bearing – Up to 18m – 24m
- f = 0.03
- Permits Longitudinal and Rotational Movements
- For Span > 20m,
Rocker Bearing is provided on One End
Rolling Bearing on Other End
44. As per IRC specifications, the minimum cement content in concrete
is………….. For Major Bridges
(1) 340 kg/m2 (2) 350 kg/m2
(3) 360 kg/m2 (4) 370 kg/m2
Solution – (3)

Type of Concrete Grade of Concrete Minimum Cement Content

Plain Concrete M15 • Minor Works – 250 kg/m3
• Major Bridges – 360 kg/m3

RCC M20 to M35 • Minor Works – 310 kg/m3

• Major Bridges – 380 kg/m3

PSC M40 to M55

45. For IRC Class A and Class B loading, the impact factor for RCC bridges
having span more than 45m is taken as
(1) 0.078 (2) 0.088
(3) 0.098 (4) 0.154
Solution – (2)

❑ Impact Effect of Live Load –

▪ Class A and Class B Loading –
For Span 3 - 45m
𝟒.𝟓
• I.F. for RCC Bridges = 0.5 ≤ IF ≤ 0.088
𝟔+𝐋
𝟗
• I.F. for Steel Bridges = 0.545 ≤ IF ≤ 0.154
𝟏𝟑.𝟓+𝑳

✓ As length increases, I.F. decreases

46. The width of carriageway required will depend on the intensity and volume
of traffic anticipated to use the bridge
1. Except on minor village roads all bridges must provide at least two lane
width
2. The minimum width o carriageway is 4.25m for one lane bridge
3. The minimum width of carriageway is 3.75m for one lane bridge
4. The minimum width of carriageway is 7.5m for two lane bridge
Which of the following statements is incorrect?
(1) Only 1 (2) Only 1 and 3
(3) Only 1, 3 and 4 (4) Only 3
Solution – (4)
❑ Roadway Width –
Type of Bridge Roadway Width
Single Lane Bridge 4.25m
Two Lane Bridge 7.5m
Multi Lane Bridge 7.5m + 3.5m for every additional lane
Pedestrian Bridges 2.5m

✓Three lane Bridge should not constructed.

✓ The roadway capacity adopted as 1000 vehicle / hr / 3.75 lane width
✓ Roadway width is increased by Multiple of 3.75m for every additional 100 Vehicles / hr.

The Width of Roadway over bridge = Road width on either side

MPSC 2019
47. In Case of Erection of Multiple span truss bridges symmetrical about center
line, the erection is started from…………………. Until center is reached

(1) Left End (2) Both Ends

(3) Right End (4) None of the Above
Solution – (2)

❑ Erection of Multiple Span Truss Bridges:

Symmetrical about center line, the Erection is started from Both Ends Until
center is reached
48. If the nature of river is at moderate bent condition, then Maximum Depth of
Scour is taken as

(1) 1.25d (2) 1.75d

(3) 1.5d (4) 2d
Solution – (3)

Sr. No. Condition of Flow Maximum Scour

Depth
1. In Straight Reach 1.27d
2. At Moderate Bend 1.5d
3. At Severe Bend 1.75d
4. At Right Angled Bend 2d
5. At Noses of piers 2d
6. At upstream noses of guide banks 2.75d
49. The effective span of Main Girder in Case of Bridges is
(1) The distance between centres of Main Girders
(2) The distance between centres of Cross Girders
(3) The distance between centres of Road Bearings
(4) The distance between centres of Bearing Plates
Solution – (4)
❑ Effective Span:
1. Main Girders
The distance between centres of Bearings Plates
2. Cross Girders
The distance between centres of Main Girders
50. In Which of the Following type of Abutments, Wing Walls are not
Provided?
(1) Gravity Abutments
(2) U Abutments
(3) Tee Abutments
(4) Abutment Piers
Solution – (3)
❑ Types of Bridge Abutments:
1. Abutments With Wing Walls
i. Straight Wing Walls
ii. Splayed Wing Walls
iii. Return Wing Walls

2. Abutments Without Wing Walls

i. Buried Abutments
ii. Box Abutments
iii. T Abutments
iv. Arch Abutments
51. While designing highway Bridges, the wind load acting on any exposed
moving live load will be assumed to act at a height of…….above the roadway.
(1) 1m
(2) 1.2m
(3) 1.5m
(4) 1.75m
Solution – (3)

❑ Wind Load –
✓ Lateral Wind force against any exposed moving load should be acting at 1.5m above
roadway

✓ Loadings:

Ordinary Highway Bridges 300kg/m

Highway Bridges carrying Tramway 450kg/m

✓ Bridges should not be considered to be carrying live load when wind velocity at
deck level exceeds 130km/hr
52. The effective linear waterway in meters is given by:
(1) L = 0.75 V2
(2) L = C Q
(3) L = 1.811 C Q
(4) L = CQ2
Solution – (2)
❑ Waterway for Alluvial Stream –
Formulae By Lacey,

L= C 𝐐

Where, L = Linear Waterway, m

Q = Maximum Discharge, m3/s

C = 4.8 (Regime Channel)

= 4.5 - 6.3 (Local Conditions)
53. The width of carriageway is expressed in terms of traffic lanes, each lane
meaning the width required to accommodate one train of …….Vehicles
(1) Class A
(2) Class B
(3) Class C
(4) Class 70R
Solution – (1)

✓ The width of carriageway is expressed in Terms of Traffic Lanes.

✓ Each lane meaning the width required to accommodate One train of Class A
Vehicles
54. For IRC Class A loading train, the nose to tail spacing between two
successive trains shall not be less than…………
(1) 12.5m
(2) 15.5m
(3) 17.5m
(4) 18.5m
Solution – (4)

❑ Class A train of Vehicles -

1. The nose of Tail Spacing between two successive vehicles > 18.4m.

2. No other Live Load should be considered on any part of carriageway when

a train of vehicle crossing the bridge.
55. As per IRC Recommendations, the minimum straight length of approaches
on either side of bridge should be……………
(1) 15m
(2) 20m
(3) 25m
(4) 30m
Solution – (1)

❑ Approaches –
✓ Defn: Lengths of Communication Route at Both Ends of Bridge
OR
✓ As per I.R.C.,
Minimum Straight length of 15m on Either Side

✓ Length 15m may be increased where necessary to Provide Minimum Sight

Distance for Design Speed